INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Oakland (5-17, 5-5 HL) was unable to overcome IU Indianapolis (12-10, 6-4 HL) on Friday inside the Jungle, falling in straight sets (25-12, 25-22, 25-21). Despite a tight second set, where Oakland recorded 22 points and 10 kills, the Jaguars maintained the advantage and cut their two-match losing streak.

Libero Lyse Bates recorded a team-high 17 digs and added three assists, anchoring the defensive effort. Setter Mya Kattula contributed significantly with 11 assists and one service ace, facilitating the offensive setup, while outside hitter Molly Reck tallied six kills and six digs, providing a balanced performance. Outside hitter Ella Martin also added in her second start of the season.

The match began with IU Indy gaining momentum with an early 2-0 lead on a service ace and a kill, before Oakland responded with a kill by middle blocker Grace Cooney, assisted by setter Delaney Stern. Despite several attacking errors, Oakland managed brief comebacks, including a kill by Martin and a pivotal block off the arms of opposite hitter Ella Schomer and Cooney that briefly halted the Jaguars' scoring run. As the first set continued, IU Indy capitalized on miscues, extending their lead against Oakland's attempts. Oakland managed to gain points through service errors from the Jaguars, but ultimately, the Jaguars' consistent offense, led to a 25-12 finish.

Oakland faced a challenging second set, beginning with a steady exchange of points. Martin and Reck both delivered key kills, keeping the score competitive. However, a sequence of errors and successful attacks by IU Indy allowed the home team to build a significant lead. The Golden Grizzlies responded with a late rally, highlighted by kills from Martin and Cooney, narrowing the gap to just three points. Yet, despite a service ace by defensive specialist Kalliann Cook and a kill by Reck, the Jaguars secured the set.

The Golden Grizzlies mounted a resilient effort in the third set, narrowing the gap with a determined stretch led by outside hitter Olivia Rust. Rust contributed crucial kills, including one that leveled the score at 8-8, following a Jaguars' blocking error. Kattula also played a pivotal role, delivering a service ace and setting up several plays for the offense. Despite Oakland's efforts, including a late push with a service ace by Bates and a kill by Martin, the Jaguars maintained their advantage and the match.

The Golden Grizzlies will be back to face IU Indy from Indianapolis for match two of the series, tomorrow at 2 p.m. ET. The contest will be available to stream on ESPN+.


How to Follow Oakland Volleyball: For complete information on Oakland Volleyball, follow the team on X at @OaklandWVB and head coach Krista Rice at @KKg1007. The team is also on Instagram.